TALKING on mobile phones, texting and putting on make-up.

These are the kinds of things motorists have been snapped getting up to while in slow moving traffic in Botley Road.

The Oxford Mail conducted a survey of passing drivers yesterday morning between 8.15am and 9.30am.

Campaigner Richard Mann, from cycling group Cyclox, said: “A moment’s inattention can kill someone. It is better to be safe than sorry.”

He added: “We recommend that they cycle to work and spend the time they save doing whatever it is they are doing sat at the wheel.”

The results include two people talking on their mobile phone – an offence that can land drivers with a £60 fine and three penalty points.

It is illegal to use a handheld mobile phone or a device for sending or receiving data while driving.

Drivers can get the option of attending a £74 mobile phone road safety course.

Penalties also apply if a driver is distracted and not in proper control of the vehicle when using a handsfree phone or similar device.

They were also drivers who were snapped eating, drinking and smoking at the wheel.

While it is not illegal to smoke a cigarette while driving, the Crown Prosecution Service says selecting and lighting a cigarette is a typical example of what could be considered as careless driving in court.

Thames Valley Police refused to comment on the Oxford Mail survey.

Doreen Barker, 74, lost her daughter Rachel in a cycling accident on the corner of Botley Road and Roger Dudman Way in 2000 and has been campaigning for a Think Bike sign in the busy road.

Mrs Barker said: “They probably think they won’t get caught.

“They know they are not supposed to do these things but I suppose for them it is a waste of time for them being in slow moving traffic.

“They should stick to the rules and so should cyclists.”

She added: “I just wish Botley Road was more safe for cyclists.”

SURVEY RESULTS

One driver was spotted writing

Two were spotted reading

Two were talking on their mobile phones

Five texting/looking at their mobile phone

Three people putting on their make-up

Two drinking

Two eating

One person driving with no hands for a few seconds

Fourteen smoking